Personal skill plays a huge role in the success of fishing and other outdoor activities; however, having the right equipment could be considered just as important. Moreover, it doesn’t hurt to have some fun toys to play with in your arsenal!
When making an investment as huge as buying a boat, you want to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. With so many choices on the market, this can sometimes be overwhelming.
With this in mind, we will be exploring the 5 best-welded aluminum jet boats perfect for all your river and fishing expeditions.
Let’s jump straight into it!
Custom Weld
From Lewiston, Idaho, Custom Weld provides a variety of different models, built to your requirements.
Manufacturing everything from government to recreational boats, which speaks for their reliability and quality.
They offer both inboard and outboard, as well as jet options with hulls ranging from 14’ to 34’ in a range of bottom thicknesses.
Although, there are some exceptions to their hull lengths, for instance, their monster 26’ to 44’ Twin Series – this is a great option for those looking for a custom boat – boasting 660hp to 1100hp.
On the other hand, this is a significantly larger vessel that may not suit your shallow water requirements.
The mobile and lightweight Custom Weld Shallow Water is perfect for minimal water levels. Their customer reviews say: “The Custom Weld Shallow Water is the only boat I trust to get me there and back.”
The boat itself features a sleek side profile design, which is sure to quickly and efficiently get you where you’re going, and, most importantly, return you back home safely. With various options, such as Shallow Water and Twin Series, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.
With over 30 years of experience, Custom Weld holds years of expertise and is known to take their customer’s suggestions and recommendations into consideration.
KingFisher – River Jet Series
The KingFisher-River Jet Series contains some extraordinary vessels. Manufactured using their Pre-Flex race platform, all their boats are equipped with UHMW – or ultra-high molecular weight plastic – protection.
Using knowledge developed from successful short-track boat racing, KingFisher made this accessible for the average boater.
As per their website, the River Jet Series is made up of six different models, with each model containing different uses and benefits for the consumer. For instance, the 2175 Extreme Shallow was designed with its name in mind: extremely shallow waters.
Even at high speeds, the boat’s hull designs ensure that it can thrive in as little as four inches of water! If this isn’t considered shallow, then we don’t know what is!
If you’re looking for a quicker ride that doesn’t compromise thrill and speed, then you’re in the right place. The 1975 Fast water comprises a 2.3L EcoBoost engine which does just this.
This is a boat designed for family adventure! With more drink holders than any other model and an optional sun lounger, you couldn’t ask for a better boat.
North River
The North River boats could be considered the Mercedes of riverboats when it comes to looks. Not only does it boast an ultra-sleek design but with an unlimited color selection, you’re bound to turn heads.
The Seahawk Fastback has various options available ranging from 21’ to 25’ hull options. With ample seating and storage space, this boat is the perfect combination of leisure and duty.
The North River Seahawk Inboard jet board is considered vastly different from the Fastback.
For once, the Seahawk is better suited for shallower water conditions, available in 22’ to 25’ options. If you’re looking for a reliable vessel to transport you through rough waters, then The Seahawk will get the job done.
Each hull length contains a maximum horsepower output of 500hp. You’ll find extensive features on the dash, as well as single-lever throttle control. Ample cup holders and storage spaces make it ideal for family trips.
In addition, it features a walk-through, welded windshield boasting tempered glass to keep you warm and dry without yielding access to the front of the boat.
North Rivers provides standard, one-color all-over paint.
SJX Jet Boats
Another Idaho-based boat manufacturer, SJX Jet Boats is a company that is proud and confident in its products, without coming across as presumptuous. This is highlighted in the owner, Steve Stajkowski, performing extensive boat inspections himself.
SJX is a company that constantly strives to improve and enhance the products they deliver.
This is achieved through extensive development and research procedures on their products. Whereby attention to detail is a paramount feature of the company’s values.
Featured on their aluminum jet boats are end-to-end continuous welds, with zero aluminum-to-aluminum contact on the vessel, from the flooring and the subfloor. This ensures a smooth ride and a longer boating experience.
SJX offers four different models to choose from, ranging from models that are small and fast, best suited for zooming up a river, as well as larger models to carry equipment while traveling at a slower speed.
Unlike other boats, the SJX boats aren’t painted. Instead, high-quality vinyl is wrapped around the exterior which SJX claims to make it more durable.
On the other hand, the interior is covered in a conventional bed liner that ensures ease of maintenance and long-lasting durability.
For easy at-home repairs, SJX offers a bed liner kit. Moreover, SJX presents an all-rounder boat that is tried and trusted by the very best.
Thunder Jet
Thunder Jet offers high-quality boats at an affordable price – providing six inbound jet aluminum vessels to choose from.
All this is highlighted in the 180 Eco Jets, a quality boat that won’t break the bank account in the process while ensuring the Thunder Jet guarantee.
A step up from here would be the Canyon Jet. This aluminum-based boat is designed with a single-formed side piece, as well as a one-piece hull.
These two boats are considered more on the smaller end of the spectrum.
Therefore, if you’re looking for something more significant, then consider looking at the Maxim Classic Jet – perfect for long boating trips that require a large haul comprising fishing buddies and gear.
This heavy-duty boat is equipped with 23’ aluminum, perfect for all those river boating enthusiasts.
A hull composed of thick aluminum ensures that it will get you to and from your destination with ease, without requiring any extra paddling or swimming. Moreover, featuring a snap-in carpet makes cleaning easier than ever!
Depending on the chosen model, Thunder Jet provides a range of different paint styles. While there are a minimal number of shades available, they do provide the option to choose between a metallic or gloss finish.
Buyer’s Guide
With so many options available on the market at the moment, choosing the best aluminum fishing boat for you can sometimes get confusing, especially if you’re a first-time buyer.
Therefore, we have listed all the main considerations when purchasing a new boat, below.
Fishing Location
When identifying the right boat for your fishing needs, the first step is to understand what finishing activity you wish to take part in, and then determine where you’ll do this.
Consequently, this will help you choose the right hull design for your boat.
It typically boils down to purchasing either a mod-V hull or a deep-V hull. Below, you’ll find the differences between the two.
Deep-V Hulls
Deep-V hulls provide you with the necessary stability to navigate through choppier and bigger waves – ensuring you get a smooth fishing experience. Another benefit is the deeper seating arrangements in the vessels themselves, which is great if you have small children on board.
Typically, aluminum fishing boats featuring deep-V hills are best used when fishing for trout, walleye, catfish, bass, and salmon.
Moreover, they can accommodate up to five people with several seating capacities, which include pedestal seats, jump seats, and convertible bows.
Mod-V Hulls
If you’re looking for a boat that can skim over shallow water, then mod-v hulls are ideal. Featuring a higher deck which ensures additional space for casting. When compared to deep-V hulls, they are a lot easier to maneuver and get around tight spots quicker.
As a result, this makes them suitable for hunting and getting into the correct sports. Moreover, as opposed to deep-V hulls, these have a smaller capacity, fitting 2-3 people at a time.
If you’re unsure what hull type to invest in, the best bet would be to look around. Consider what other people are using at your desired water body and this will give you an idea of what to get.
Interior Features
Since you will be spending a lot of time on board your boat, you should make sure that it is both accommodating and comfortable.
Otherwise, you may find yourself itching to get off the vessel before it has even left the dock! Therefore, your boat should contain an interior layout to your suiting.
To do so, the first thing you should consider is the number of people you plan to be on board at the same time. This ensures that there is ample space and seating arrangements for everyone.
Next, if you’re planning on fishing in wet weather conditions or are navigating through choppy waters then a walk-through windshield would be ideal to protect you from the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Welded Aluminum Boats Used For?
Over the years, welded aluminum boat designs have improved and enhanced to showcase a wide range of uses, from water skiing enthusiasts to commercial whale watching operations.
Welded aluminum designs are particularly popular for many fishing applications due to their ease of maintenance and durability.
Final Thoughts
When deliberating the best-welded aluminum boat, the choice ultimately comes down to the consumer. A jet boat is a huge investment that will last you many years to come; therefore, making the right choice shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The first thing you’ll want to do is determine your needs and wants when it comes to the boat. Then, consider your budget. These days, you can get a high-quality boat without breaking the bank!
If you’re looking for a powerhouse aluminum boat, then the Custom Weld Twin Series, featuring an output of 1100hp, may be the one for you. If this doesn’t knock your socks off, we don’t know what will!
Moreover, King Fishes offers good-looking and high-performing models suitable for all boating enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you’re new to the boating community, then Thunder Jet provides some cost-effective options for all types of boaters.
Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about welded aluminum jet boats (see also ‘Everything You Need To Know About The Tri-Hull Boat‘).
